Ho Chi Minh City Promotes About 250 Projects to Attract Japanese Investment

Ho Chi Minh City held the 2026 Japan Investment Promotion Conference on November 12. Fukai Akihiko, general manager of Gunma Bank and head of a delegation of businesses from Gunma Prefecture, said about 60 Gunma companies currently invest and operate in Vietnam, with several planning to expand their businesses and investments. He said Gunma companies are interested in Ho Chi Minh City’s economic growth and regional connectivity.

Fukai Akihiko, general manager of Gunma Bank, speaks at the investment promotion conference.（VietVance）

Fukai Akihiko said about 15,000 Vietnamese people live in Gunma Prefecture and work in fields including manufacturing and programming. Yosen Kogyo, which attended the conference, established a legal entity in Hanoi and opened its first food retail store in October 2026. It is now seeking investment opportunities in Ho Chi Minh City. Company representative Yoshinori Wakatabi said it is interested in infrastructure upgrades and information technology, among other fields, but lacks sufficient understanding of the local business environment and relevant regulations. He expressed hope for more guidance on policies.

Cao Thị Phi Vân, deputy director of Ho Chi Minh City’s investment promotion agency, ITPC, said Japanese investors have 84 newly approved projects in the city, with registered capital exceeding US$43 million, across manufacturing, trade, services and infrastructure. She said the two sides still have room to cooperate in manufacturing, supporting industries, electronics and semiconductors, automobiles and green transport, among other fields.

Japanese business representatives review Ho Chi Minh City’s list of projects seeking investment at the conference.（VietVance）

Cao Thị Phi Vân said Ho Chi Minh City plans to promote about 250 projects for investment between 2026 and 2030. They span nine categories, including ports and logistics, high technology, industry and the environment, transport infrastructure and housing. ITPC said the city will continue to improve its investment environment, reform administrative procedures and advance digital management. Businesses attending the conference said they want regular updates on new policies, projects seeking investment and Japanese market demand.

Source: VietVance